The interpretation of the mental status examination depends on an understanding of behavioral neuroanatomy. As in the rest of neurology, the examination leads to localization, followed by a differential diagnosis of disease processes. This chapter gives the essentials necessary for…
It is helpful to understand how the extended mental status evaluation is altered by the commonest mental status conditions seen in the clinical setting. These can be grouped into delirium, dementia, and depression. Focal cognitive disorders are listed in the…
This chapter aims to provide the foundation for mental status testing. The first step is to establish the goal or purpose for assessing cognition. This guides the decision on what level of examination is needed and whether to refer for…
Here we will discuss the current understanding of memory to aid the clinician’s knowledge of how memory breaks down in Alzheimer’s disease, how that breakdown of memory is different from how memory declines in normal aging, and also how other…
Primary care physicians and other healthcare practitioners routinely screen for many diseases, including hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and prostate and breast cancer, to mention a few. Yet Alzheimer’s disease, one of the most common disorders in older adults, is rarely screened for…
Screening for memory loss has become more and more common in both primary care and specialty practices. As discussed in Chapter 2 , there are a number of approaches to screening: Mental status tests: These tests are generally used to…
Quick Start: Special Issues In Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Some Patients Do Not Want to Have Their Memory Evaluated Help patients understand that the goal is to improve their memory and allow them to continue doing the activities…
Quick Start: Legal And Financial Issues in Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, And Dementia Alzheimer’s advocacy groups can provide helpful and up-to-date information for families. Encourage your families to contact the Alzheimer’s Association ( www.alz.org , 800-272-3900) in the United States…
Quick Start: Life Adjustments for Memory Loss, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Dementia Issues in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer’s Disease Dementia in the Very Mild and Mild Stages Patients with mild cognitive impairment and very mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia may be…
Quick Start: Pharmacological Treatment of the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia Pharmacological treatment of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia should only be undertaken when one of the following situations is present: The symptoms are causing distress to…